Redskins Considering Franchise Tagging Kirk Cousins to Trade Him

If he wants to, Cousins can balk at signing off on the franchise tag designation.

During his interviews on Radio Row on Monday, Cousins repeated much of what he said at his end-of-season event with 106.7 The Fan last month about winning being more important than money and the ball being in the Redskins' court. He has said he's open to going year-to-year, but that was before the reported move the Redskins will make to acquire Smith. During that entire time, Schefter notes that the $34.5 million tag would still be accounted for against the salary cap. Who won't acquire him and what it does to how teams draft will be a fascinating story during an interesting offseason for many teams around the NFL.

Not only would that be an extremely disrespectful move to Cousins, it would also be a risky one.

Cousins' salary would be worth approximately $34.5 million for 2018 if Washington does place the franchise tag on him, according to ESPN, and a trade would be complicated.

Meanwhile, if the Jets land Cousins, former Browns quarterback Josh McCown could become available, and would fit the role of a bridge quarterback to start games and mentor a rookie, possibly Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen. The Redskins retained Cousins with the franchise tag the past two offseasons.

"This only happens if Skins know 100 percent that they have a deal before putting tag on him", former National Football League executive Joe Banner tweeted. Meanwhile, the Redskins and other team work out a trade agreement. "I haven't had a chance to pick where I wanted to play since 2007 when I chose to go to Michigan State". The comp could come by way of trade or if they use the non-exclusive tag, they could receive draft picks. He tweeted the tag was "negotiated into CBA for teams to have "intent" to sign players long term".